One year after a devastating attack that claimed scores of lives and forced residents to flee their homes, normalcy is gradually returning to Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue, with residents attributing the turnaround to the sustained presence and operations of security forces in the area.

Residents say the deployment of troops of the Nigerian Army and other security personnel has transformed what was once a community gripped by fear into one where displaced persons are returning home, children are back in school and farmers are gradually reclaiming their farmlands.

Speaking during an interaction with military authorities and journalists, Mr. Achin Mathias, Publicity Secretary of Yelwata Community, described the security situation in the area as significantly improved compared to what prevailed after the deadly attack of June 18, 2025.

According to him, the attack left the community devastated, with many residents displaced and economic activities brought to a standstill.

He said subsequent attacks also occurred in the months that followed, deepening fears among residents and forcing many families to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.

However, Mataya said the strategic deployment of military personnel to the community changed the security landscape and restored confidence among residents.

“The situation we are witnessing today is completely different from what we experienced after the tragic incident. The deployment of security personnel has addressed many of the security challenges confronting our community.

“Before now, there were places we could not visit and farmlands we could not access for almost two years because of fear of attacks. Today, because of the heavy presence of security personnel, residents can move around with greater confidence and carry out farming activities,” he said.

Mataya noted that residents can now travel several kilometres from the community without the fear that previously restricted movement.

He explained that before the deployment of troops, many villagers had abandoned their farms and homes due to persistent attacks by armed groups.

According to him, the renewed security presence has encouraged the gradual return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

He disclosed that a large percentage of residents who fled the community following the attacks had returned and resumed normal life.

“When the attack occurred, many people were evacuated to safer locations. Today, about 70 per cent of those displaced have returned and are sleeping in their homes again.

“At a point, schools and churches became shelters for displaced persons. The LGEA Primary School and St. Joseph Catholic Mission served as temporary homes for many families. Today, children have returned to school, churches have resumed normal worship activities and people are once again living in their houses,” he said.

The community spokesman particularly commended the operational strategy adopted by military commanders in the area, saying troops were deployed to strategic locations that effectively secured the community and its surroundings.

He praised the efforts of Major Waziri and his troops, whom he credited with strengthening security architecture around Yelwata.

According to him, security positions established in communities around Yelwata have enabled troops to respond swiftly to threats and maintain constant operational pressure on criminal elements.

“Major Waziri has done an excellent job. He positioned troops in strategic locations covering the entire community. If you move towards the western axis, eastern axis or northern axis, you will find security personnel maintaining vigilance and conducting operations.

“The soldiers are constantly carrying out patrols and operational activities. Even when we are on our farms, it is common to see troops moving around on operations. Their presence gives people confidence and a sense of safety,” he said.

Mataya said the military’s persistent operations had contributed significantly to flushing out criminal elements and reducing attacks within the community and surrounding areas.

Despite the gains, he noted that some remote villages located beyond existing security positions remained difficult for displaced residents to access due to lingering fears of attacks.

According to him, many residents still prefer to remain within areas covered by military patrols and security formations.

He therefore appealed for the sustained deployment of troops and the expansion of security coverage to more remote settlements to facilitate the return of all displaced persons.

“Our appeal is that the security operations should be sustained. The soldiers should not relent. Their presence has brought hope back to our people.

“There are still some communities beyond the current security coverage where people are afraid to return. If security presence can be extended further, more displaced residents will be encouraged to go back home and resume their normal lives,” he said.

Mataya also commended the cordial relationship between residents and security personnel, describing it as a partnership that had strengthened community resilience.

He said residents had continued to support troops operating in the area through various forms of assistance, including providing basic necessities and cooperating with security agencies.

“The relationship between the community and the soldiers has been very cordial. Our people appreciate their sacrifices and support their efforts in every way possible.

“We have seen firsthand the commitment of the troops to protecting lives and property, and the community remains grateful for their service,” he said.

Residents expressed optimism that sustained military operations and community cooperation would further consolidate peace and enable the full recovery of communities affected by years of violence.